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The series: Seattle leads, 7-5. The last time the teams met the Seahawks won, 30-20, on Nov. 4, 2012 in Seattle.

What to watch: A top-end special-teams encounter. The Seahawks’ punt coverage unit is allowing a stunning 1.4 yards per return. To amplify the authority of that number, consider this: Carolina’s Ted Ginn Jr. returned Jon Ryan’s first punt of the season 10 yards. In the 38 punts since, opponents have gained 5 yards — total. Minnesota counters that with two of the top kick returners in the league. Rookie wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson leads the NFL with 35.2 yards per kick return, and cornerback Marcus Sherels leads the league with 16.3 yards per punt return. ... Seattle’s key punt-coverage man Jeremy Lane missed Thursday’s practice with a thigh problem, but coach Pete Carroll said Lane will be good to go along with several other players: center Max Unger, left tackle Russell Okung, activated Saturday, and right tackle Breno Giacomini are all expected back on the line. Defensive end Red Bryant, fullback Derrick Coleman and wide receiver Percy Harvin should be ready to play, too. ... Cornerback Brandon Browner (groin) is out. ... Seattle cut quarterback B.J. Daniels to make room for Okung on the 53-man roster.